HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN CALIFORNIA

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for planning, designing, building and operation of the first high-speed rail system in the nation. California high-speed rail will connect the mega-regions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs and preserve agricultural and protected lands. By 2029, the system will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours at speeds capable of over 200 miles per hour. The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations. In addition, the Authority is working with regional partners to implement a state-wide rail modernization plan that will invest billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines to meet the state’s 21st century transportation needs.

From its inception, the Transportation Authority has supported this important project, and brought together all the city agencies to address High-Speed Rail in general and specifically within the City limits and the Peninsula. In early 2012, the California High–Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) 2012 Business Plan embraced a blended operations approach for the system. Under this structure, Caltrain and the CHSRA will share the infrastructure from San Francisco to San Jose, staying within the existing right-of-way. Most importantly, the plan identified Caltrain as a recipient of early funding available from the state Prop 1A high-speed rail bond funds. Electrification of the peninsula rail corridor is a nec­essary investment to support the blended Caltrain and high-speed rail system. In the short-term, electrifica­tion will bring more commuter service to our region in a quieter and greener way. For the long-term, electrification prepares the corridor to receive the high-speed rail system, which will provide a one-seat ride from downtown San Francisco to Los Angeles.

As a result of these developments, the near-term focus of the Transportation Authority has shifted to the Caltrain Electrification project.